Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot accidentally pulling the mixture control in the landing pattern which resulted in a loss of engine power and forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that he did two successful touch and go landings with his instructor pilot, after which, the instructor got out of the airplane and the student pilot took off solo to practice in the landing pattern. While on downwind in the pattern, the student pilot accidentally pulled the mixture knob and the engine quit. The student pilot attempted to restart the engine but was not successful. He tried to land the airplane in a nearby field but contacted a stand of trees and impacted the ground nearly vertical. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and forward fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.